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The northeast has always been a rich pool of sporting talent that has brought laurels to the nation, and the presence of ten athletes in the 81-member Indian contingent at London Olympics reiterates the fact. While Mary Kom, Shiva Thapa and Devendro Singh are representing the country in boxing, Soniya Chanu will vie for a medal in weightlifting, and with Kothajit in Hockey, Somdev Debburman in Lawn tennis, Bombyala Devi, Jayanta Talukdar, Tarundeep Rai and Chekrovolu Sworu in archery – a total of 10 athletes from the northeast are carrying India’s hopes for medals in the Olympics. Interacting with media recently, Devendro Singh, boxer, said, “I think at Olympics the bout with China and Korea will be challenging but I am ready to take them on.” Five-time world champion, pugilist Mary Kom said that she is honoured to represent India at the Games. “I am very happy to participate in the Olympics and feel greatly honoured,” she said. Manipur girl Marykom is representing India in women’s boxing. The event has been included for the first time in the Olympics. Shiva Thapa, from Assam , is another boxer from whom India has high hopes. He became a boxing sensation after winning a medal at the Olympic qualifier in Astana at Kazakhstan . Among the six archers, four are from the northeast - Bombyala Devi, Jayanta Talukdar, Tarundeep Rai and Chekrovolu Sworu. They trained in Sikkim for the competition. The families of the athletes are looking forward to their winning medals. “Since the time my son qualified for London Olympics, I have been praying to god that he wins a medal for the country. I wish him all the luck,” said father of archer Jayanta Talukdar. Geetanjali, Bombyala’s sister sounded excited about the latter’s participation in the mega event. “We are very happy for Bombyala. She will be participating for second time in the Olympics. Earlier she went to the Beijing Olympics and now she has gone for the London Olympics. We are very excited about her participation,” she said.

Ten northeast athletes representing India at London Olympics